Join our Team

Who We Are

Healthy Start Academy is seeking outstanding individuals to be part of an exciting turnaround of the State of North Carolina’s first charter school. Located in a historic building in the West End neighborhood of downtown Durham, Healthy Start Academy is an independent charter school, founded 20 years ago by members of the Durham community. Healthy Start Academy was the first school charter school to open its doors in 1997, leading the movement for school choice in North Carolina. Next year HSA will serve more than 425 students from across the county in grades K-8, over 98% who qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. We believe all students can achieve at the highest levels and will work relentlessly to achieve this goal. Our mission is to provide our scholars with the academic skills and character traits necessary to succeed in college-prep public and private high schools.

Why You Should Be Part of Our Team

We believe great teaching closes the achievement gap, and your leadership and development will be essential to making this impact happen for our scholars. You will be extensively trained, supported, and part of a committed team determined to achieve results for our students while working in partnership with their families and the surrounding Durham community. You will play an integral part in a small school and your class size will not exceed 18 students if you teach K-4 and will be no larger than 26 students in grades 5-8. You will receive weekly coaching and PD driven by proven teacher-leaders. You will be backed by a supportive administration that holds a high standard while responding to the needs of their teachers. You will be provided high-quality curriculum and training on that curriculum that ensures your ability to execute effectively. You will also have the opportunity to work in Downtown Durham, a community that has undergone an exciting revitalization and is now home to the best restaurants, arts, and entertainment in the state - making it the most desirable place to live and work for people transitioning to North Carolina. Most importantly, you will build relationships and have a lasting impact on children who deserve an excellent education. You will do all of this while part of a true team, not an isolated individual on an island in a classroom.

What We Are Looking For

The ideal candidate is humble, hungry, and smart and wants to work in an environment of high expectations that brings out their best selves. We look for individuals that exemplify our core values (listed below) because we believe that your mindset and attitude will ultimately determine your success. The ideal candidate has teaching experience, preferably in an urban or rural setting. Teaching as part of a successful charter network such as Uncommon Schools, Achievement First, KIPP, or Success Academies, or a school that utilizes the Teach Like a Champion framework, is highly desirable, but not a requirement. Alumni of Teach For America are strongly encouraged to apply.

North Carolina Licensure or eligibility for a lateral entry license is required. Most out-of-state licenses are eligible for reciprocity and our team will work with candidates through the licensure process. Most college graduates are eligible to qualify for a lateral entry license but will be required to pass a Praxis exam and work toward full licensure once hired.